Wed to a Spy: All the Queen’s Spies, Book 1

Spies, lies, and manipulation rule the courts in Cullen’s compelling introduction to her All the Queen’s Spies series, set in 16th-century Scotland. Queen Mary correctly suspects Frenchwoman Aimee De Verris of being a spy, and orders Englishman Simon Marcheford (also a spy, unbeknownst to both women) to marry Aimee so he can keep an eye on her. Aimee is the niece of Catherine de Medici, who sent her on the current mission as penance for being caught in the arms of the lusty Pierre. She feels obligated to accept Simon’s proposal. After witnessing the murder of Mary’s closest advisor, the newlyweds go on the run and attempt to reach England, aided by Simon’s friends. Despite the deceitful foundation of their marriage, they forge a stable structure of passion, excitement, and mutual respect. Cullen infuses the perfect amount of drama, and though it’s jarring when Aimee abruptly swaps her loyalty from Pierre to Simon, the relationship is believable and the characters are likable. With a town full of dubious individuals and a lot of unanswered questions, this is a captivating launch to the series. (June)